Apocalypticism and Mysticism in Ancient Judaism and Early Christianity

by John J. Collins (Editor), Pieter G. R. Villiers (Editor), Adela Yarbro Collins (Editor)

Overview

The nature and origin of Jewish mysticism is a controversial subject.
This volume explores the subject by examining both the Hebrew and Aramaic tradition (Dead Sea Scrolls, 1 Enoch) and the Greek philosophical tradition (Philo) and also examines the Christian transformation of Jewish mysticism in Paul and Revelation. It provides for a nuanced treatment that differentiates different strands of thought that may be considered mystical. The Hebrew tradition is mythical in nature and concerned with various ways of being in the presence of God. The Greek tradition allows for a greater degree of unification and participation in the divine. The New Testament texts are generally closer to the Greek tradition, although Greek philosophy would have a huge effect on later Christian mysticism.
The book is intended for scholars and advanced students of ancient Judaism and early Christianity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783110591835
Publisher:	De Gruyter
Publication date:	09/24/2018
Series:	Ekstasis: Religious Experience from Antiquity to the Middle Ages , #7
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.06(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

John Collins, Yale Universität, Pieter de Villiers, Universität des Freistaates, Südafrika, and Adela Yarbro Collins, Yale Universität

John Collins, Yale University, Pieter de Villiers, University of the Free State, S. Africa, and Adela Yarbro Collins, Yale University.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Apocalypses and Mystical Texts: Investigating Prolegomena and the State of Affairs Pieter G.R. de Villiers 7

Is There Mysticism in the Dead Sea Scrolls? John J. Collins 61

Paul, Jewish Mysticism, and Spirit Possession Adela Yarbro Collins 81

"Mystical" Traditions in an Apocalyptic Text?: The Throne Vision of Revelation 4 within the Context of Enochic and Merkavah Texts Jörg Frey 103

Ascent and Inspiration in the Writings of Philo Judaeus Jack Levison 129

Dancing with the Stars: The Ascent of the Mind in Philo of Alexandria Gregory E. Sterling 155

Journeys towards Fullness of Life: A Comparison between Philo and the Apocalypse of John Paul B. Decock 167

Bibliography 187

Index 205